Comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders

Abstract

The relationship between symptoms of anxiety, anxiety disorders and substance use, abuse and dependence is complex. Converging evidence from epidemiologic studies as well as studies of treatment-seeking individuals indicates that anxiety disorders, symptoms of anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUDs) commonly co-occur, and the interaction is not unidirectional, but multifaceted and variable. Anxiety symptoms often emerge during the course of chronic intoxication and withdrawal. Anxiety disorders may be a risk factor for the development of SUDs. Anxiety disorders modify the presentation and treatment outcome for SUDs. Substance use, abuse and SUDs modify the presentation and treatment outcome for anxiety disorders. In this chapter, recent findings on co-occurring SUDs and anxiety disorders will be reviewed including prevalence, diagnostic, and treatment issues.